Ezekiel 34:2-3
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The verse highlights an immediate, almost rhetorical question that cuts to the core of leadership: "Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" This isn't just about caring for people; it's a direct challenge to those in power, whether kings or religious leaders, pointing out that their primary duty, inherent in their very role, is to nourish and protect the people entrusted to them, not to enrich themselves.
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord commands Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on the "shepherds" of Israel, a term that encompasses both their political rulers and religious leaders. These leaders have been self-serving, enriching themselves while neglecting their duty to care for and protect the people, who are likened to a flock. This prophecy sets the stage for God to intervene directly, promising to rescue His sheep from these corrupt shepherds and to establish a new, righteous shepherd.
Ezekiel is called to prophesy against the leaders of Israel. But what does it mean to be a 'shepherd' in God's eyes, and how can leaders 'feed themselves' instead of their flock?
The term "shepherds" in ancient Israel referred to both political rulers (kings, princes, magistrates) and religious leaders (priests, prophets). God uses this imagery because, like a shepherd caring for sheep, leaders are entrusted with the well-being of His people.
But these "shepherds" were failing miserably. Instead of nurturing and protecting the people (the "flock"), they were enriching themselves. They took the "fat and the wool" – the resources, tithes, and taxes meant for the community's benefit – and used them for personal luxury, power, and selfish gain. This neglect and exploitation left the people vulnerable and uncared for.
Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy, and the message isn't his own. It's a divine word carrying immense weight and authority.
The prophecy begins with a clear, authoritative source: "Thus says the Lord GOD." This isn't Ezekiel's personal opinion or a political commentary; it's God Himself speaking directly to His people through the prophet.
The repetition of the command to "prophesy" emphasizes the urgency and importance of this message. It also highlights that God holds these leaders accountable. The question posed – "Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" – isn't a mere suggestion; it's an appeal to a fundamental, divinely established principle of leadership and responsibility.
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ben-adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
A prophetic title often used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and his role as a messenger of God in contrast to the divine majesty of the LORD. It underscores the contrast between the limited human prophet and the infinite God.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
Individuals entrusted with the care, guidance, and protection of others, often referring to Israel's political and religious leaders. In a biblical context, it denotes a responsibility to act with selflessness, following the example of the LORD, the ultimate Shepherd.
tson · Hebrew Noun
The covenant people of God, often depicted as helpless, dependent creatures in need of leadership, protection, and guidance. They represent those who belong to the LORD and are susceptible to both neglect by human leaders and attack by external threats.
ra'ah · Hebrew Verb
A failure of duty where leaders prioritize their own survival, comfort, and benefit over the needs of those they are called to lead. It is the antithesis of the selfless service required by God's representatives.
Ezekiel's prophecy against the 'shepherds' (kings and religious leaders) is delivered during the Babylonian exile. He condemns their selfish leadership that failed to care for God's people, which he sees as a direct cause of the people's suffering and the nation's downfall.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and ending its distinct political and religious identity. This event deeply impacted the consciousness of the remaining Southern Kingdom of Judah.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian Empire begins deporting Judean elites and skilled workers to Babylon. This marks the start of the exile and a period of profound national crisis.
597 BC— this verse
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel himself. This further weakens the kingdom and intensifies the sense of divine judgment.
c. 587-586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining population. This is the nadir of Israel's national existence.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, opening the way for the exiles to eventually return to their homeland.
This passage also condemns the 'shepherds' (leaders) of Israel for scattering and harming the flock, directly foreshadowing the judgment Ezekiel pronounces and echoing the same theme of failed leadership.
Psalm 78:70-72This Psalm recounts God choosing David from his work as a shepherd to be the ruler of His people, highlighting the ideal of a shepherd-king who 'feeds them with integrity of heart and with skillful hands,' setting up a stark contrast to the self-serving shepherds Ezekiel condemns.
John 10:1-16Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts himself with 'hired hands' who abandon the sheep. This New Testament passage directly picks up the shepherd imagery, identifying Jesus as the true shepherd who cares for His flock, unlike the corrupt leaders of old and their modern parallels.
1 Peter 5:1-4Peter, addressing church elders, urges them to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' not for shameful gain but eagerly. This passage shows how the responsibility of shepherding continues, with a clear call to selfless care that echoes Ezekiel's critique of self-serving leaders.
clarkeEzekiel 34:2: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"
Prophesy against the shepherds of Israel - The shepherds include, first, the priests and Levites; secondly, the kings, princes, and magistrates. The flock means the whole of the people. The fat and the wool, the tithes and offerings, the taxes and imposts…
pooleEzekiel 34:2: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"
The shepherds; the rulers of the people, both political, as kings, magicians, and princes, and also ecclesiastical, priests and prophets. Israel; the two tribes, and the few that out of the ten did adhere to the house of David. Prophesy; the command is re…
The verse highlights an immediate, almost rhetorical question that cuts to the core of leadership: "Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" This isn't just about caring for people; it's a direct challenge to those in power, whether kings or religious leaders, pointing out that their primary duty, inherent in their very role, is to nourish and protect the people entrusted to them, not to enrich themselves.
The Lord commands Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on the "shepherds" of Israel, a term that encompasses both their political rulers and religious leaders. These leaders have been self-serving, enriching themselves while neglecting their duty to care for and protect the people, who are likened to a flock. This prophecy sets the stage for God to intervene directly, promising to rescue His sheep from these corrupt shepherds and to establish a new, righteous shepherd.
The Lord commands Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on the "shepherds" of Israel, a term that encompasses both their political rulers and religious leaders. These leaders have been self-serving, enriching themselves while neglecting their duty to care for and protect the people, who are likened to a flock. This prophecy sets the stage for God to intervene directly, promising to rescue His sheep from these corrupt shepherds and to establish a new, righteous shepherd.
"“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat…" — The verse highlights an immediate, almost rhetorical question that cuts to the core of leadership: "Should not shepherds feed the sheep?" This isn't just about caring for people; it's a direct challe…
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Last reviewed October 2026
